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Michael Lisicky and Sandra Gerster of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra introduce the members of the oboe family through humorous interactive demonstrations and short musical examples. Designed for young children, this captivating program emphasizes the descriptive elements in “ program” music while introducing and explaining basic musical concepts in an entertaining and enjoyable manner.

Praised for “exemplary bravura” (New Haven Register), and “expressive animation” (Baltimore Sun), Sandra Gerster Lisickyis a busy musician who has served as Principal Oboist of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Orchestra for twenty years.

Currently residing in Baltimore, Ms. Gerster performs regularly with the Baltimore, Annapolis, and Maryland Symphonies, as well as the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, The Orchestra of St. John’s, and Annapolis Opera. A founding member of the acclaimed oboe trio, Trio La Milpa, she performs with members of the Baltimore Symphony oboe section in venues throughout the US. As a founding member of the Soni Fidelis Quintet, Ms. Gerster made an acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut in 1989 and worked with celebrities such as Susan Saint James and Captain Kangaroo. Ms. Gerster has collaborated with the New World, Franciscan and Cavani String Quartets, and in 1998 she participated in a special chamber music concert in London for Prime Minister Tony Blair and designated members of his Cabinet. She currently serves on the faculties of the Peabody Conservatory of Music and the Baltimore High School for the Arts.

Michael Lisicky

Oboist Michael Lisicky has been performing with the Baltimore Symphony since 2003. A native of Southern New Jersey, Mr. Lisicky has been praised by critics for his “magical nuances” (Baltimore Sun), “tonal purity” (Richmond Times-Dispatch), and “quite wonderful musicianship” (Boston Globe).

Before coming to Baltimore, he was a member of the Richmond Symphony. While in Richmond, Mr. Lisicky served on the faculty of the University of Richmond and performed as a soloist with the RSO on six occasions. He is also a former member of the Savannah Symphony.

A graduate of the New England Conservatory, he has studied with Alfred Genovese, John deLancie, Peter Bowman and Marion Norcross. Mr. Lisicky has performed on occasion as Principal Oboist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony and the Taipei Philharmonic.

He is also an English hornist and founding member of Trio La Milpa, an oboe trio comprised of himself, BSO Principal Oboist Katherine Needleman and his wife, oboist and teacher Sandra Gerster. In August 2007, the trio became the first American ensemble to tour the country of Greenland. This tour was followed by a residency on Smith Island, MD in September 2007. The trio maintains a web site at www.TrioLaMilpa.com.

Mr. Lisicky currently lives in Fell’s Point with his wife, daughter and dog. He currently serves as the community’s ‘Towne Crier’ and gives weekly tours through Fell’s Point sponsored by the local Preservation Society. In his spare time he researches the histories of American department stores of the past, especially Baltimore’s famed ‘Hutzler’s.’ He also participates in an “Ask the Expert” column on www.departmentstorehistory.net with noted author and historian Jan Whitaker.

Welcome two musicians from the BSO as we explore the world of woodwinds.